Alcohol During Pregnancy: Why Even a Little Can Be Too Much

For women leading a healthy lifestyle, the question of whether alcohol is safe during pregnancy usually doesn’t even arise. Alcohol is harmful even for healthy individuals, and for pregnant women, it is especially dangerous. This is widely acknowledged by both doctors and even alcohol manufacturers—just look at the warning labels on many bottles.

However, some expectant mothers continue to consume alcohol, relying on misleading beliefs like:

• “Low-alcohol drinks aren’t harmful.”
• “A little bit once in a while won’t hurt me or the baby.”

These are myths that can cost a child their health.

There is no safe dose of alcohol during pregnancy. Even if you’ve heard stories of women drinking during pregnancy and delivering healthy babies, that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be consequences. Some effects may appear much later, such as delayed speech or cognitive development.

Importantly, alcohol dependency is not limited to any one social group. Even educated, successful women may struggle with alcohol and put their babies at risk.

It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether—even while planning a pregnancy. If you find out you’re already pregnant, stop drinking immediately.

Alcohol in the First Trimester

In early pregnancy, many women don’t yet know they’re expecting and continue their normal routines. Most discover they’re pregnant around the 4th or 5th week, during which key stages of fetal development are already underway.

Alcohol During the First 10–12 Days After Conception

There’s a common myth that the embryo isn’t yet connected to the mother, so alcohol can’t do any harm. This is dangerous misinformation. Intoxication can disrupt implantation, or even lead to ectopic pregnancy.

Between days 5–13, the chorion (future placenta) begins to form. Alcohol at this stage can cause miscarriage.

However, if you drank alcohol before learning about your pregnancy, it is not a reason for termination. But moving forward, abstaining is essential.

From Day 13 Onward

At this stage, the embryo is already connected to the mother’s blood supply. Alcohol can restrict blood flow, leading to oxygen and nutrient deficiency, and may result in:

• Growth delay.
• Organ malformations.
• Facial abnormalities (e.g. cleft lip or palate).
• Brain and nervous system disorders.

One of the most severe outcomes is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) — a group of physical and mental impairments, including:

• Microcephaly or hydrocephalus
• Intellectual disabilities
• Distinct facial features
• Memory and attention deficits
• Aggressive or antisocial behavior

Even if FAS doesn’t develop, there’s still a risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Conclusion: Alcohol is strictly contraindicated during the first trimester.

Sometimes, the urge to drink signals a deficiency in certain vitamins or minerals. Instead of reaching for alcohol, consult a doctor and get tested.

Can You Drink Champagne During Pregnancy?

No. Despite its low alcohol content, champagne contains sugar and carbon dioxide, which can:

• Increase stomach acidity.
• Irritate the stomach lining.
• Strain the pancreas and nervous system. It’s particularly harmful for those with digestive issues.

Can You Drink Beer During Pregnancy?

No. Modern beer isn’t just hops, malt, and water. It often contains:

• Ethanol.
• Fusel oils.
• Phytoestrogens.
• Preservatives, colorants, and foam stabilizers.

Even “non-alcoholic” beer isn’t safe—it may still contain trace alcohol and harmful additives.

Can You Drink Wine During Pregnancy?

No. Even a single glass is considered too much. Some doctors may permit a couple of sips after the 16th week, only if the woman has no history of dependency and no regular alcohol consumption.

What matters most is context:

• A one-time craving in a healthy woman may indicate a nutrient deficiency.
• Frequent urges or ongoing consumption may signal addiction, which is far more dangerous.

For those with a history of alcohol misuse or unplanned pregnancy, even small amounts can be harmful to the baby.

What to Do if You Struggle With Alcohol

If you’re planning a pregnancy or already pregnant but struggle to quit drinking, don’t face it alone.

At IsraRehab, we help women overcome alcohol dependence before and during pregnancy.

Our clinic is located just 30 minutes from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. We offer:

• Comfortable, home-like accommodation.
• Nutritious meals with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Sports facilities, billiards, ping-pong, sauna, and pool.
• Walks through our fruit orchards, seaside trips, and guided tours around Israel.

Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or Telegram — we’ll help you choose a personalized recovery plan that’s right for you and your baby.